Contents

=Education

While attending Boston University as a young man,[2] he also worked as a magician and mentalist,[3] impressing the head of his department (among others) with his palmistry. Hyman at one point believed that 'reading' the lines on a person's palm could provide insights into their nature, but later discovered that the person's reaction to the reading had little to do with the actual lines on the palm. This led to his interest in psychology.[3]

Aside from his scholarly publications and consultation with the U.S. Department of Defense in scrutinizing psychic research,[2] one of his most popular articles is thirteen points to help you "amaze your friends with your new found psychic powers!", a guide to cold reading.[6] The guide exploits what fascinated him in his academic research in cognitive psychology, that much deception is self-deception. He has investigated dowsing in the United States and wrote a book on the subject.[3] He is one of the foremost skeptical experts on the Ganzfeld experiment.[7]

Dr. Hyman's prestidigitational skills (which he calls "manipulating perception") have earned him the cover of The Linking Ring, the magazine of the International Brotherhood of Magicians of which he has been a member for over 35 years.[8]

Dr. Hyman was close friends with Barry Beyerstein and together they founded an annual workshop in 1992 in Eugene, Oregon called Skeptic's Toolbox[9] which is still being held.[10]

Hyman retired in 1998 but continues to give talks and investigate paranormal claims.

Awards

In Praise of Reason Award, CSICOP's highest honor, in October 2003.[5]